They must be in constant fear of death. Imagine how horrible it must be to think that once you die you cease to exist forever. How can that NOT be depressing?
2007-06-14 13:45:37 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, I don't think atheists are depressed on the time. Athiests have the strength not to fear death. Christians are weak for relying on religion to save them.
2007-06-14 13:49:06 · answer #1 · answered by Surf Forever 5 · 6⤊ 2⤋
I'm depressed sometimes but it's not 'cause I'm afraid of death. There is nothing horrible about the thought that once I'm dead I cease to exist forever. Nothing depressing about it either. When you don't believe in an afterlife, why would you feel angst about what happens after you die? What a silly question.
2007-06-14 20:51:07 · answer #2 · answered by chazzychef 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If atheists are depressed, perhaps it's because they live in a society of people who are even more depressed and who express their depression by talking all of the time about how great it will be when the world ends. The atheists are enjoying life and trying to get as much out of it as they can.
How can a life wasted waiting and pining for an unconfirmed afterlife NOT be depressing?
2007-06-14 21:08:07 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that's a great question. I think this question amazes theists who have talked to me more than not. Death and the whole meaningless of life doesn't bother me. I embrace the idea. I don't fear death, I am at peace with the world and have never been depressed. I wish I could explain it better.
2007-06-14 22:56:06 · answer #4 · answered by Tim Elliot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depressed? No. Drunk because idiots keep asking the same questions again and again and again? Totally blitzed.
It's actually very liberating not to believe in an afterlife. I don't have to stress over doing all the right thin gs or following rules to get in, I don't have to worry about ending up somewhere nasty instead, I don't have to worry about anything. I'll be dead. After that nothing matters. So why worry?
I think it'd be far MORE depressing to constantly be trying to live up to "rules" that keep changing. I mean how do you know you're living as you should? Maybe you've screwed up, don't know it, and are bound for your hell? Maybe you've been praying to the wrong god all this time?
I'm happier than many believers I see here who are full of nothing but hate and bitterness. And I count you amongst them.
2007-06-14 20:53:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
You speculate about how another person feels every minute of the day, and decides it must be horrible, simply because they don't think like you do? How about if I said that all believers must be suicidal all the time, simply because they won't get their rewards until after they're dead. Both statements are ridiculous.
It doesn't make any sense to psychologize somebody based on their beliefs, especially when a single belief (or lack thereof) is all you're working on.
2007-06-14 21:02:54 · answer #6 · answered by jtrusnik 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am not afraid of death that is why I don't need to lie to myself about there being a magical afterlife. I didn't exist before I was born and I will return to that state upon my death.
I just feel lucky to be here and consciously aware of my mortality (intelligent). I appreciate my time here and try to spend that finite time being a positive force in the lives of my friends, family and the people I meet. Don't you think I value life MORE because I know this is it.......unlike theists, I don't think I will live forever.
2007-06-14 20:53:11 · answer #7 · answered by thewolfskoll 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Uh, no.
I know of no atheists who are in constant fear of death.
If you were at all interested in EVIDENCE, FACT, or REASON you would not assume you know what other people feel.
Just because reasonability is not part of your nature, doesn't mean you couldn't TRY to understand.
Unlike you, I am not in constant fear of eternal torture from a punitive but all-knowing ego-maniacal Sky Bully who wants me to never think for myself.
I'm not depressed.
As I say, if you were at all interested in truth, you could investigate.
But, when you choose someone who doesn't know what they're talking about, instead any of the honest answsers you'll get, I'll know you aren't interested in truth.
2007-06-14 22:03:15 · answer #8 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd rather be depressed than ignorant. Besides knowing there is no afterlife makes me appreciate life and live life to the fullest which most people don't do because they think they will live forever in a magic sky land after they die if they are good. Once you die that's it there is absolutely nothing its exactly how it was before you were born.
2007-06-14 20:51:54 · answer #9 · answered by robin c 3 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Why not enjoy life while you're here? There's lots to enjoy. Family, friends, good music, humorous novels and novels in general, writing, sunrises, sunsets,the smell of the air after a rainshower--personally I'm an optimist. I always look forward to the next day, and good or bad, believe in making the best of things. When I'm gone, I'm gone, and hopefully I've left my mark on the world. It doesn't depress me.
2007-06-14 20:51:26 · answer #10 · answered by Julia Sugarbaker 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check your premises. Not everyone wants to live forever and not everyone lives in fear of death. Should I live in fear of menopause because it's inevitable? Should I live in fear of losing my youth? Should I live in fear, period?
Depression comes from getting stuck in a mental rut and not being able to climb out and move on and return to seeing all the good there is in life. Challenge yourself. Climb out and laugh. Atheists have one short chance with life and they know it and accept it and are determined to make the most of it.
2007-06-14 21:09:09 · answer #11 · answered by sylc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋